Electro-mechanical free pistol

ABSTRACT

An electro-mechanical free pistol wherein the barreled action, including the firing mechanism, does not greatly exceed the outside diameter of the barrel except for the bolt handle and sights, said barreled action serves as a platform upon which the grip and trigger switch are adjustably positioned and electrically connected.

limited States Patent [1 1 Green ELECTRO-MECHANICAL FREE PISTOL [76] Inventor: Franklin C. Green, 6304 Locker Lane, San Antonio, Tex.

22 Filed: Dec. 6, 1971 [21] Appl. No.: 204,942

Related U.S. Application Data [62] Division of Ser- No. 805,470, March 10, 1969, Pat.

[52] U.S. Cl. 42/69 A, 42/84 [51] Int. Cl. F4lc 19/12 [58] Field of Search 42/69 A, 16, 84

[56] References Cited UNlTED STATES PATENTS Green 42/16 3,626,624 l2/l97l June 12, 1973 Primary Examiner-Benjamin A. Borchelt Assistant ExaminerC. T. Jordan Attorney-John C. Stahl [57] ABSTRACT An electro-mechanical free pistol wherein the barreled action, including the firing mechanism, does not greatly exceed the outside diameter of the barrel except for the bolt handle and sights, said barreled action serves as a platform upon which the grip and trigger switch are adjustably positioned and electrically connected.

8 Claims, 11 Drawing Figures mam Jun 1 2 ms sumlflid ARAQQ I. II

FRANKLIN c. GREEN INVENTOR BY? Q. N

ATTORNEY PATENIEU M I 3. 738.043

FIG. I I

FRANKLIN C. GREEN INVENTOR my C. M

ATTORNEY ELECTRO-MECHANICAL FREE PISTOL The subject application is a division of application Serial No. 805,470, filed Mar. 10, 1969, now US. Pat. No. 3,626,624.

The present invention relates to an in line electrically actuated, mechanical firing mechanism for target and sporting firearms and more particularly to such a firing mechanism with minimal operating variation.

An object of the present invention is the provision of a compact firing mechanism which affords maximum freedom of choice in overall design for a firearm.

Another object is to provide a free pistol wherein the marksman can utilize any grip, grip angle, and any trigger switch wherein said grip and trigger switch are positioned in relationship to each other as desired by the marksman.

Still another object is to provide such a free pistol wherein the design affords the marksman his choice of balance.

A further object is to provide such a free pistol wherein the trigger switch is completely adjustable for weight of pull from a few grams to over four ounces by a single adjusting screw.

Another object is to provide a firing mechanism wherein the lock time or interval between the pull of the trigger and the striking of the cartridge by the firing pin is not only extremely fast but also extremely consistent.

Still another object is to provide maximum dependability by protecting key parts from contamination.

A final object is to provide a firing mechanism wherein less maintenance is required than with conventional firearms.

Other objects and features ofthe invention will be come apparent to those skilled in the art as the disclosure is made in the following detailed description of a preferred embodiment of the invention as disclosed in the accompanying sheets of drawing in which:

FIG. 1 is a side elevational view of the preferred embodiment of electro-mechanical free pistol of the subject invention.

FIG. 2 is a muzzle end view of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a fragmentary, vertical sectional view of the medial portion of the barreled action of FIG. 1 taken along the longitudinal axis thereof.

FIG. 4 is an enlarged, vertical sectional view transverse to the longitudinal axis taken through the foremost portion of the clamping block with the bolt retracted.

FIG. 5 is a fragmentary, enlarged, top plan view, partly broken away and partly in section, of the complete bolt assembly utilized in the embodiment of FIG. 1.

FIG. 6 is an enlarged, vertical sectional view taken along the longitudinal axis showing the bolt'in the cooked, handle down condition.

FIG. 7 is an enlarged, vertical sectional view taken along the longitudinal axis showing the bolt in the fired, handle down condition.

FIG. 8 is a greatly enlarged view showing the relationship of the forward bearings to the retaining ring and locking sleeve wherein the solid line portions represent the respective parts in the cocked condition and the reference line portions represent the respective parts in the fired condition.

FIG. 9 is a greatly enlarged view showing the relationship of the aft bearings to the locking sleeve wherein the solid line portions represent the respective parts in the cocked conditions and the reference line portions represent the respective parts in the fired condition.

FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing a circuit utilized in the subject invention; and

FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram of another circuit utilized in the practice of the invention.

Referring now to the drawings, wherein like reference characters designate like or corresponding parts throughout the several views, there is shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 of the drawings a preferred embodiment of the electro-mechanical free pistol of the subject invention. More particularly, barreled action 21 consists of barrel 22, receiver 23 and bolt 24. Barrel 22 includes chamber 25 to accommodate a cartridge of desired caliber; front sight 26 of conventional design is secured to said barrel in proximity to the muzzle end thereof whereas rear sight 27 is conventionally secured to receiver 23.

Trigger housing 28 and pistol grip 29 are adjustably positioned on and secured to barreled action 21. As best seen in FIGS. 2-4 of the drawings, the rearmost lower surface of barrel 22 and the lower surface of receiver 23 are provided with longitudinally and horizontally extending, aligned dovetails 30-31.

Grip 29 of conventional design or custom fitted to the marksman s hand includes first and second recesses 32-33, respectively. Recess 32 surfaces in the upper front and top of said grip and accommodates a metallic clamping block 34, preferably of aluminum or steel. Longitudinally and horizontally extending dovetail groove 35 in the upper surface of block 34 receives dovetail 31 heretofore mentioned; longitudinally and vertically extending slot 36 in said block terminates upwardly in groove 35 and downwardly in longitudinally extending bore 37 or the like. Longitudinally spaced and transversely extending machine screws 38 pass through bores 39 in the upper portion of block 34 and insert into female threads 40 in the opposite side of the said block. Preferably counterbores 41 accommodate the heads of the respective screws; communicating bores 42 surface in the upper, left-hand side of grip 29 and provide access to the said screws.

Clamping block 34 is positioned in recess 32 in such a manner to provide clearance 43 for aft travel of trigger housing 28; a suitable bonding agent 44 such as epoxy resin or the like is applied to at least that side of block 34 which includes female threads 40 and the bottom of the said block. Grip 29 is desirably positioned on barreled action 21 and is secured thereto by tightening screws 38 thereby drawing together the sides of clamping block 34 against dovetail 31.

As viewed in FIGS. 1 and 3 of the drawings, recess 33 surfaces on one side of grip 29, said recess generally accommodates the circuitry and components of FIGS. 10-1 1 of the drawings. Cover plate 45, secured to grip 29 as by screw 46 or the like, provides access to recess 33.

Trigger housing 28 is preferably composed of aluminum or the like and terminates forwardly in portion 47 which is substantially greater in width than the remainder of the housing; dovetail groove 48 (see FIG. 2) in the upper surface thereof accommodates dovetail 30 heretofore mentioned. Vertically and longitudinally extending slot 49 in portion 47 terminates rearwardly in vertical bore 50; screw 51 passes through transversely extending bore 52 and threadingly inserts into the opposite side of portion 47 drawing the opposing sides together to secure the trigger housing to barreled action 21.

The upper surface of trigger housing 28 rearwardly of portion 47 is flat, extending along the plane of groove 48. It is understood that trigger housing 28 is desirably positioned on dovetail 30; the rear portion of housing 28 may extend into clearance 43 to any desired depth or until stopped by butting block 34 after which screw 51 is tightened.

Referring to FIG. 3 of the drawings, the rear vertical portion 52 of housing 28 includes recess 53 in which is conventionally secured a single pole, single throw switch 54 or any miniature switch. A vertically extending bore 55 in the horizontally extending top portion of said housing adjacent rear portion 52 accommodates the upper end of trigger 56 which is secured therein by means of transversely extending pin 57. Fore and aft stops 5960 to limit trigger travel, such as are well known in the art, are provided in the horizontally extending lower portion 61 and the lower, rear portion 52, respectively. When trigger 56 is pulled rearwardly, the rear surface thereof bears against probe 62 of switch 54 causing the contacts (not shown) to close, activating the circuits of FIGS. and 11 of the drawings. The foremost vertical portion 63 of trigger housing 28 includes bore 64 in proximity to the lower end thereof-to permit access to and easy adjustment of fore stop 59.

As best seen in FIGS. 1 and 4 of the drawings, loading port 65 is provided in the upper, left-hand side of receiver 23 rearwardly of chamber 25. Bolt handle 66, connecting at one end to bolt 24, rides in an L-shaped slot in receiver 23 rearwardly of loading port 65, said slot consists of longitudinally and medially extending portion 67 terminating forwardly in laterally extending portion 68. When bolt 24 is in the closed and locked condition, bolt handle 66 is approximately 75 degrees below the vertical as shown in FIG. 2 of the drawings; the said bolt handle may be rotated to the vertical and thence drawn rearwardly in longitudinally extending portion 67.

Still referring to FIG. 4 of the drawings, cartridge head recess 69 is provided in the face of bolt 24; laterally spaced firing pins 70 pass through longitudinally extending bores-71 (see FIG. 6) which surface in the said recess. Extractor 72 of conventional design extends downwardly into said recess to engage the rim of a cartridge.

The foremost, lower surface of bolt 24 includes flat 73 (see FIGS. 6 and 7) which extends approximately one-third the length of the bolt and terminates rearwardly in shoulder 74, said flat rides on ramp 75 composed of epoxy steel or the like. Integrally formed and downwardly depending lug 76 on ramp 75 inserts into bore 77 in the floor of receiver 23. The forward end of ramp 75 butts barrel 22 while the rear end is slightly spaced from shoulder 74 heretofore mentioned; such construction prevents rotation of forward section 78 of the said bolt.

Referring now to FIGS. 6 and 7 of the drawings, forward section 78 of the bolt includes an axial, rearwardly opening bore 79 which surfaces downwardly in flat 73. Bores 71 heretofore mentioned communicate with bore 79. Striker head 80 rides in bore 79 with firing pins 70 press fitted therein. Rearwardly, striker head includes an integrally formed collar 81 of reduced diameter into which the foremost end of striker shaft 82 threadingly inserts and is secured by means of cross pin 83; preferably shaft 82 is of stainless steel. Main spring 84 carried on shaft 82 bears against striker head 80 and retainer 85 through which the said shaft passes. Retainer 85, terminating rearwardly in shoulder 86 and reduced diametrial portion 87, is maintained in position by one or more pins 88 (see FIG. 5) which pass laterally of portion 87, bear against shoulder 86 and are secured outwardly in bores 89.

Forward section 78 of the bolt terminates rearwardly in external axial cylindrical section 90. Aft section 91 of said bolt terminates forwardly in internal axial cylindrical section 92 which mates with section 90. Axial bore 93 in the fore part of section 91 is preferably of the same diameter as bore 79 heretofore mentioned.

Angularly extending, elongated slot 94 is provided in section with a coacting, oppositely extending slot 95 in section 92; slot 95 terminates rearwardly in communicating and laterally extending flat 96. It is understood that an angularly and oppositely extending, elongated slot (not shown) 180 displaced relative to slot 94 is provided in section 90; section 92 is provided with a coacting, angularly and oppositely extending, elongated slot one hundred eighty degrees displaced relative to slot 95, which slot terminates rearwardly in a laterally extending flat.

Cylindrical carrier 97 of lesser diameter than bore 93 rides on shaft 82 and includes diagonally extending bore 98; cam pins 99 pass through slots 94,95 and the coacting slots 180 displaced relative thereto, insert into opposite ends of bore 98 and bear against shaft 82. Such construction permits aft section 91 to be rotated approximately 75 relative to forward section 78.

The approximate medial portion of aft section 91 is of the same outside diameter as forward section 78 whereas axial bore 100 therein is of lesser diameter than bore 93. Aft section 91 terminates rearwardly in axial cylindrical section 101 the outer surface of which includes male threads 102.

Steel collar 103 of lesser diameter than bore 100 is fixedly secured as by silver soldering or the like on shaft 82 slightly rearwardly of said carrier as viewed in FIG. 7 of the drawings. Striker lug 104 of the same approximate diameter as collar 103 is threaded onto the rear end shaft 82 and secured thereto by means of cross pin 105.

Bolt extension 106 is tubular, terminating forwardly in cylindrical section 107 of reduced exterior diameter which is press fitted into section 101. The inside diameter or bore of extension 106 is preferably the same as bore 100 in section 91. At least three equally spaced transversely aligned and radially extending bores 108 in extension 106 rearwardly of aft section 91 accommodate forward bearings 109. Retaining ring 110 is carried on extension 106, butts the rear end of aft section 91, and servesas bearing retention means during assembly and disassembly. As best seen in FIG. 8 of the drawings, ring 110 opens rearwardly and includes inclined surface 111.

Locking sleeve 112 is tubular with the inner, foremost end chamfered, indicated by reference numeral 113 (see FIG. 8); the said sleeve terminates rearwardly in external axial cylindrical section 114 which includes chamfer 115 (see FIG. 9). Sleeve 112 is positioned outwardly of bolt extension 106 and suspended by the forward and aft bearings. Diagonally extending bore 116 in the approximate medial portion of extension 106 accommodates cross pin 1 17 which terminates outwardly in longitudinally extending elongated slots 118 in sleeve 112, thereby preventing rotation of said sleeve.

At least three equally spaced, transversely aligned and radially extending bores 119 in proximity to the rear end of bolt extension 106 accommodate aft bearings 120; as best seen in FIG. 9, the said bores are inclined at at angle ranging from zero to ten degrees from the vertical in such a direction as to permit the bearings to move rearwardly as required to guarantee release of the striker assembly and/or change the effective angle of contact between chamfer 115 and bearings 120. Bores 119 may be positioned intermediate bores 108 heretofore mentioned.

Sear 121 rides in the bore of bolt extension 106 rearwardly of cross pin 117; more specifically, recesses 122-123 areprovided in the fore and aft ends of the said sear with axial bore 124 communicating therewith. As viewed in FIG. 9 of the drawings, medial portion 125 of the sear 121 is of reduced diameter terminating rearwardly in chamfer 126; portion 127, slightly greater in diameter than portion 125, terminates rearwardly in chamfer 128. Disc 129 inserts into recess 122; one end of rod 130 is fixedly secured to the said disc and passes rearwardly through bore 124.

Spring retainer 131 terminates forwardly in shoulder 132 which butts the rear end of bolt extension 106; reduced diametral portion 133 of said retainer inserts into the bore of said bolt extension. Recess 134 in the fore end of portion 133 accommodates one end of spring 135 carried on rod 130. The foremost end of spring 135 inserts into recess 123 in sear 121. Rod 130 passes through axial bore 136 in retainer 131 and 132 on retainer 131; the said retainer terminates rearwardly in a reduced diametral portion 141.

Referring now to FIG. 5 of the drawings, dust cover 142 is generally tubular with female threads 143 in the foremost end. Cover 142 is placed outwardly of the rearmost bolt portions and screwed onto male threads 102. Bolt handle 66 threadingly inserts into the medial portion of aft section 91 and desirably bears against the foremost end of the said dust ocver to secure the same in position.

Rearwardlycover 142 includes flanged collar 144 and a reduced'diametral exterior portion which is provided with male threads 145; the said cover terminates rearwardly in inwardly extending ring 146 which accommodates portion 141 of retrainer 131.

Electromagnet support and cover 147 is cup-shaped and includes female threads 148 in the foremost end which mate with male threads 145 heretofore mentioned. Electromagnet 149 is adjustably positioned in support 147 by means of a plurality of circumferentially spaced and radially extending set screws 150; axially extending, forwardly opening insulating sleeve 151 in the said electromagnet a commodates core 138 of the armature. Leads 152-153 connect to magnet 149,

threadingly inserts into an armature consisting of vertipass through bore 154 in cover 147 and connect to outwardly extending connectors 155 fixedly secured on the said cover. Set screw 156 in the foremost portion of cover 147 is adjusted to bear against male threads 145 securing cover 147 to dust cover 142.

In the preferred embodiment of the invention, both forward section 78 and aft section 91 of the bolt are composed of 4140 alloy steel which is thereafter heat treated to approximately 35 Rockwell C; lug 104, bolt extension 106, locking sleeve 112 and sear 121 are composed of 8620 alloy steel and heat treated to at least 60 RockwellC; bolt handle 66 is of alloy steel hardened to approximately 50-55 Rockwell C; receiver 23 is of 4130 seamless tubing, in the annealed state; areas subject to wear on receiver 23 are flame hardened, as required.

There is shown in FIG. 10 of the drawings a manual recharge circuit and in FIG. 11 an automatic recharge circuit utilized in the practice of the subject invention. as heretofore mentioned, switch 54 is a single pole, single throw switch or any miniature switch which is activated by trigger 56. Switch 54 is connected to the anode and gate, respectively, of a silicon controlled rectifier 157 such as GE-X5or the like. Solenoid 158 comprises the field coil of electromagnet 149 an armature disc 137 and core portion 138, respectively; the said field coil is connected to the cathode of rectifier 157 and to ground. A 500 microfarad capacitor 159 connects to the anode of rectifier 157 and ground, respectively; series connected power supply 160 of fifteen volts and normally open switch 161 parallel capacitor 159.

Switch 161 is momentarily closed to rapidly charge capacitor 159 to battery voltage. Upon closing the contacts on switch 54 in the manner heretofore described, rectifier 157 passes current from capacitor 159 through the said rectifier to the field coil of electromagnet 149 causing core 138 and attached sear 121 to retract and release the firing mechanism. Rectifier 157 is shut off by induced reverse emf from solenoid 158 before capacitor 159 is fully discharged, even though the contacts of switch 54 are held closed. Such electrical circuit must be manually recharged prior to each shot; this not only provides the desired degree of safety for a free pistol but also may be accomplished quickly when switch 161 is positioned in the bottom of grip 29.

In the embodiment of FIG. 11, switch 54 connects to the anode and gate, respectively, of silicon controlled rectifier 157 heretofore described. The field coil of solenoid 158 is connected to the cathode of rectifier 157 and to ground; capacitor 159 connects to the anode of the said rectifier and to ground. Power supply 160 connects to the anode of rectifier 157 and the collector of a PNP transistor 162 such as GE-2l or the like. Resistor 163 of 100K ohms connects to collector and base, respectively, of the said transistor. Series connected resistor 164 of 4.7K ohms and silicon diode 165 connect to the gate of rectifier 157 and base of transistor 162, respectively.

Generally speaking, transistor 162 is non-conductant when the contacts of switch 54 are closed and conductant when the said contacts are open; rectifier 157 turns off by induced reverse emf from solenoid 158. Transistor 162 starts conducting at a rate set by resistor 163 to charge capacitor 159 until the said capacitor is fully charged. When the contacts of switch 54 are closed by means of trigger 56, on connecting the gate to the anode of rectifier 157 power is supplied to the base of transistor 162 through resistor 164 and diode 165. At such time transistor 162 acts like an open switch, disconnecting power supply 160 from capacitor 159 and rectifier 157, Rectifier 157 turns on and discharges the current from capacitor 159 through the field coil of solenoid 158 whereby core 138 is pulled rearwardly, releasing the firing mechanism. Induced reverse voltage from solenoid 158 will turn off rectifier 157 before trigger 56 is released.

When trigger 56 is released and contacts of switch 54 open, such action removes power from transistor 162 and disconnects the gate from the anode of rectifier 157; rectifier 157 turns off, if not already off. Transistor 162 becomes conductant and applies power to capacitor 159 which starts recharging. Solenoid 158 is inactive and power is supplied to charge capacitor 159 only.

It is understood that electrical leads connecting to the circuits of FIGS. -1 1 pass from recess 33 through vertical bore 166 (see FIG. 3) and thence through bore 37 in block 34 to connect to switch 54. Communicating bores 167-168 in block 34 and grip 29, respectively, accommodate leads l69170 secured rearwardly to connector 171 which mates with connector 155 (see FIG. 5).

As heretofore mentioned, forward section 78 of the bolt does not rotate while aft section 91 is rotated by means of bolt handle 66. Rotation of bolt handle 66 to the vertical causes carrier 97 to move rearwardly; pins 99 secured to the said carrier riding in slots 94,95 provide indexing and a two-to-one mechanical advantage. Carrier 97 butts collar 103 secured on shaft 82 moving the same to an overcock position which occurs when handle 66 is vertical. At this point, pins 99 rest on flat 96 in aft portion 91 and the coacting flat one hundred eighty degrees displaced relative thereto.

In the overcooked condition forward bearings 109 are positioned fully in their respective bores by sleeve 112 due to forward pressure of spring 140. Chamfer 113 contacts bearing 109 approximately 20 from the vertical; as soon as sleeve 112 moves to this position, aft bearings 120 are forced outwardly by chamfer 126 on sear 121 which is biased by spring 135. Sear travel limit is provided by adjustment of shaft 130 threadingly inserting into the armature; forward movement of disc 137 of the said armature is stopped by reduced diametral portion 141 of retainer 131. Outward movement of aft bearings 120 is stopped by cylindrical section 114. At this point sear 121 is in the fully cocked condition; all other parts remain in overcock until bolt handle 66 is rotated toward the closed position approximately and pins 99 are leaving flats 96, carrier 97 is moving forward and shaft 82 and striker lug 104 follow.

Striker lug 104 now exerts an outward force on forward bearings 109 which in turn exert a rearward force on sleeve 112. Chamfer 115 on sleeve 112 contacts aft bearings 120 and exerts an inward force thereon. Inward movement of aft bearings 120 is stopped by portion 127 of scar 121. The cocking cycle is complete at this point.

In this cocked condition chamfer 115 contacts aft bearings 120 at an effective angle of approximately forty degrees relative to the inclined bore 119. Chamfer 113 of sleeve 112 contacts forward bearings 109 at an effective angle of approximately 25 from the vertical.

As a safety feature, should the firing mechanism release, ignition cannot occur until such time that bolt handle 66 has been rotated downwardly in portion 68 approximately sixty degrees; prior tothis point carrier 97 and associated pins 99 have not indexed far enough forward to prevent butting by collar 103.

Prior to firing, as shown in FIG. 6, sear 121 is heavily engaged. The firing cycle begins with sear 121 electrically moved rearwardly in the manner heretofore describedto a point where aft bearings 120 begin to move inwardly against chamfer 126; at such point aft bearings 120 can assist movement of sear 121 rearwardly. Additionally, any inward movement of aft bearings 120 results in a proportionate forward movement of striker lug 104 and striker shaft 82 connected thereto.

Upon aft movement of sear 121, the heavy load imposed on all parts in the cocked condition is relieved and movement of aft bearings 120, sleeve 106 and forward bearings 109 is exceptionally rapid. Ignition occurs as firing pins in the foremost end of shaft 82 contact a cartridge in chamber 25.

Upon firing, sleeve 106 has some rearward inertia which is stopped by pin 117 and spring 140. Sleeve 106 then travels in a forward direction until stopped by chamfer 113 in contact with forward bearings 109 as shown in FIG. 8 of the drawings.

Spring 135 forces sear 121 forwardly and chamfer 126 thereby exerts an outward force on aft bearings restricted by chamfer 1 15. All parts are now at rest preparatory to the next cocking cycle.

It is understood, of course, that the foregoing disclosure relates to only preferred embodiments of the invention and that it is intended to cover all changes and modifications of the examples of the invention herein chosen for the purposes of the disclosure which do not constitute departures from the spirit and scope of the invention.

What is claimed is:

1. A firearm firing mechanism comprising a forward section and an aft section,

an extension secured to said aft section,

a plurality of first bores in said extension in to said aft section,

each of said first bores accommodating a forward bearing,

a longitudinally extending striker shaft in said firing mechanism,

at least one firing pin secured to said shaft,

a main spring carried on said shaft,

cocking means for said shaft,

said shaft terminating rearwardly in a striker lug,

said forward bearings in contact with a selected portion of said striker lug,

a plurality of second bores in proximity to the other end of said extension,

each of said second bores accommodating an aft bearing,

a forwardly biased sleeve positioned outwardly of said extension and supported on said forward and aft bearings,

a sear in said extension,

said aft bearings in contact with a selected said sear, and

selectively activating means coacting with said sear whereby said aft bearings move inwardly, said forward bearings move outwardly and release said striker shaft.

proximity portion of 2. The invention of claim 1 wherein said selectively activating means is electro-mechanically operated.

3. The invention of claim 1 wherein said selectively activating means is mechanically operated.

4. The invention of claim 1 further including a solenoid consisting of a field coil and a core,

said field coil secured rearwardly to said firing mechanism, and said sear connected to said core. 5. A firearm firing mechanism comprising a forward section and an aft section, an extension secured to said aft section, a plurality of first bores in said extension in proximity to said aft section, each of said first bores accommodating a forward bearing, a longitudinally extending striker shaft in said firing mechanism, at least one firing pin secured to said shaft, a main spring carried on said shaft, cocking means for said shaft, said shaft including a striker lug, said forward bearings in contact with a selected portion of said striker lug,

a plurality of second bores in proximity to the other end of said extension,

each of said second bores accommodating an aft bearing,

a forwardly biased sleeve positioned outwardly of said extension and supported on said forward and aft bearings,

a sear in said extension,

said aft bearings in contact with a selected portion of said sear, and

means for selectively positioning said sear whereby said aft bearings move inwardly, said forward bearings move outwardly and release said striker shaft.

6. The invention of claim 5 wherein said means is electromechanically operated.

7. The invention of claim 5 wherein said means is mechanically operated.

8. The invention of claim 5 further including a solenoid consisting of a field coil and a core,

said field coil secured rearwardly to said firing mechanism, and

said sear connected to said core. 

1. A firearm firing mechanism comprising a forward section and an aft section, an extension secured to said aft section, a plurality of first bores in said extension in proximity to said aft section, each of said first bores accommodating a forward bearing, a longitudinally extending striker shaft in said firing mechanism, at least one firing pin secured to said shaft, a main spring carried on said shaft, cocking means for said shaft, said shaft terminating rearwardly in a striker lug, said forward bearings in contact with a selected portion of said striker lug, a plurality of second bores in proximity to the other end of said extension, each of said second bores accommodating an aft bearing, a forwardly biased sleeve positioned outwardly of said extension and supported on said forward and aft bearings, a sear in said extension, said aft bearings in contact with a selected portion of said sear, and selectively activating means coacting with said sear whereby said aft bearings move inwardly, said forward bearings move outwardly and release said striker shaft.
 2. The invention of claim 1 wherein said selectively activating means is electro-mechanically operated.
 3. The invention of claim 1 wherein said selectively activating means is mechanically operated.
 4. The inventiOn of claim 1 further including a solenoid consisting of a field coil and a core, said field coil secured rearwardly to said firing mechanism, and said sear connected to said core.
 5. A firearm firing mechanism comprising a forward section and an aft section, an extension secured to said aft section, a plurality of first bores in said extension in proximity to said aft section, each of said first bores accommodating a forward bearing, a longitudinally extending striker shaft in said firing mechanism, at least one firing pin secured to said shaft, a main spring carried on said shaft, cocking means for said shaft, said shaft including a striker lug, said forward bearings in contact with a selected portion of said striker lug, a plurality of second bores in proximity to the other end of said extension, each of said second bores accommodating an aft bearing, a forwardly biased sleeve positioned outwardly of said extension and supported on said forward and aft bearings, a sear in said extension, said aft bearings in contact with a selected portion of said sear, and means for selectively positioning said sear whereby said aft bearings move inwardly, said forward bearings move outwardly and release said striker shaft.
 6. The invention of claim 5 wherein said means is electromechanically operated.
 7. The invention of claim 5 wherein said means is mechanically operated.
 8. The invention of claim 5 further including a solenoid consisting of a field coil and a core, said field coil secured rearwardly to said firing mechanism, and said sear connected to said core. 